2017-2026 Jeep Taillamp Condensation TSB 08-220-25

Jeep has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-220-25 to provide a procedure for clearing condensation and fogging from the rear taillamp assemblies in various models. This TSB, identified as 08-075-26 REV. A in its reference, applies to 2017-2026 Jeep Compass, 2021-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee/Grand Cherokee L, 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer/Wagoneer, and 2019-2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. It supersedes the previous TSB 08-075-26 dated February 21, 2026, with updated market applicability and an additional repair note.

This bulletin is relevant for vehicles sold in North America, Europe, China, India & Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America markets. The primary goal of this procedure is to prevent unnecessary replacement of taillamp assemblies that are not actually defective.

Symptoms

Owners may observe a light layer of condensation or fogging on the inside of their vehicle's exterior taillamp lenses. This Jeep taillamp condensation can occur under several conditions:

• After the lamps have been on, reached operating temperature, turned off, and then rapidly cooled by cold water (e.g., rain or a car wash).
• Under specific atmospheric conditions, such as after a vehicle has been parked outside overnight following a warm, humid day and a clear, cool night.

In most cases, this Taillamp Assembly With Condensation/Fogging will naturally clear as atmospheric conditions change, allowing the moisture to convert back into vapor. Turning the taillamps on can often accelerate this clearing process.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Technicians are instructed to evaluate any taillamp assembly showing Jeep taillamp condensation or fogging. The diagnosis involves a specific test to determine if the condensation is temporary or indicates a permanent seal breach.

First, any external water must be dried from the lens surface. Then, the vehicle's headlamps and hazard lights are turned on, and the lamps are operated for 60 minutes in a service bay environment. The taillamp assembly should be checked every 15 minutes during this period.

Repair Procedure Summary

The core of the TSB 08-220-25 procedure is to assess whether the Jeep taillamp condensation clears within 60 minutes of operation. If the condensation begins to clear within this timeframe, it indicates that the taillamp's sealing has not been compromised. In such cases, the taillamp assembly does not need to be replaced.

However, if the condensation or fogging does not begin to clear after 60 minutes of operation, or if the lamp shows significant water droplets on most internal surfaces, this points to a problem with the taillamp's sealing. This condition suggests that water has entered the taillamp and is likely to be a persistent issue. In these instances, a taillamp exhibiting permanent internal moisture should be replaced.

Important Warnings

• Do not replace a taillamp assembly prematurely. If the condensation clears within 60 minutes of operation, the taillamp's sealing is intact, and replacement is unnecessary. This TSB provides a clearing procedure to avoid such wasted repairs.

Labor Operations

Technicians will use specific labor operation codes for addressing Jeep taillamp condensation:

• 08-50-89-94: Setup Taillamp Condensation Test and Evaluate Moisture Dissipation Rate (0 - Introduction). Labor Time: 0.2 Hrs. Failure Code: ZZ. This is a Service Action.
• 08-50-89-95: Setup Taillamp Condensation Test and Evaluate for 20 Minutes (0 - Introduction). Labor Time: 0.1 Hrs.
• 08-50-89-96: Setup Taillamp Condensation Test and Evaluate for 30 Minutes (0 - Introduction). Labor Time: 0.2 Hrs.
• 08-50-89-97: Setup Taillamp Condensation Test and Evaluate for 40 Minutes (0 - Introduction). Labor Time: 0.3 Hrs.
• 08-50-89-98: Setup Taillamp Condensation Test and Evaluate for 50 Minutes (0 - Introduction). Labor Time: 0.4 Hrs.
• 08-50-89-99: Setup Taillamp Condensation Test and Evaluate for 60 Minutes (0 - Introduction). Labor Time: 0.5 Hrs.

What Owners Should Do

If you observe Jeep taillamp condensation or fogging in your 2017-2026 Jeep Compass, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, or Wagoneer, it is recommended to visit an authorized Jeep dealership. Technicians can perform the diagnostic procedure outlined in TSB 08-220-25 to determine if the condensation is temporary or if the taillamp assembly requires replacement. This service is reimbursable under warranty provisions.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11031423